Work begins at University on 'unique' development in sport

LOUGHBOROUGH University is set to lay further claim to being the heart of sport in this country as work begins on the multi-million pound SportPark, what is described as being ‘a unique concept in British Sport’.

LOUGHBOROUGH University is set to lay further claim to being the heart of sport in this country as work begins on the multi-million pound SportPark, what is described as being ‘a unique concept in British Sport’.

The aim is to try and attract the governing bodies for sport in this country to work in the town alongside each other in a move designed to increase understanding between sports.

Double Olympic medallist David Davies, triathlete Hollie Avil and paralympian Sam Hynd were on hand for the official launch of the project last week.

The new £15 million pound building hopes to be a centre for the governing bodies of sport in this country with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) already planning to move in by the end of 2009 and with other bodies expected to announce they will be moving to the site by the end of this year.

“This is a real example of how determined we are at Loughborough to maintain our position as the engine room of sports development in the UK,” University vice-chancellor, professor Shirley Pearce commented. “SportPark is an important partnership between the University and the sports governing bodies.

“It will enable sport organisations to benefit from co-location and to share information and expertise to maximise efficiency.”

The ASA, and its performance arm British Swimming, have been based in the town since 1973 and they are set to be the first to move into the £15 million development when it is completed.

“We are excited to be working in partnership with the University and to be playing a significant part in creating SportPark, a unique concept in British Sport,” the ASA’s chief exec David Sparkes said. “This development will secure the future of our sport because it will provide a modern, efficient environment from which we can further develop our work.”